Wishing fond farewell to Shansi Associate Director Elaine Vukov

At the end of June, Associate Director Elaine Vukov left Shansi to return home to New York, pursue new challenges, and reacquaint herself with life in the big city. Elaine was a great partner for me as we both learned the ropes at Shansi and at Oberlin when we arrived in 2013. She was deeply involved in the development of Shansi's new Hiroshima and Independent Fellowship initiatives, and she brought a passion for international education to Shansi's programs and partnerships.

Most importantly, Elaine was a wonderful supporter of Shansi's program participants. All of the Oberlin students who participate in our programs benefited from Elaine's dedication to their success. She worked closely and effectively with Shansi Fellows during and after their placements in Asia, and was a mentor to In-Asia grantees as they refined and presented the results of their projects. Elaine also made sure every Shansi Visiting Scholar from India, Indonesia, and China felt welcome in Oberlin and at home in Shansi House (here she is, on right, with Farah Diba of Aceh, Indonesia).

I am grateful for all that Elaine has contributed to the Shansi and Oberlin communities, and for the opportunity to work with her in advancing the goals of this wonderful organization.